HC Deb 20 February 1934 vol 286 c161
7. Mr. MARTIN

asked the Secretary for Mines whether there has been any difficulty in supplying British coal to any of those countries with which we have trade agreements embodying clauses concerned with the supply of coal from this country; and, if so, whether he can state the reasons for such difficulties in each case where they occurred?

Mr. E. BROWN

The investigation of a number of formal complaints lodged with my Department under the provisions of the protocols to the various trade agreements has been completed, and it appears therefrom that in some cases delays in shipment have occurred. Other complaints are still under investigation and until that investigation is completed I am unable to say whether the alleged difficulties have in fact occurred.

Mr. MARTIN

Has the investigation shown whether such delays have been due to quota restrictions or to shipping difficulties?

Mr. BROWN

The delays were mainly due to loading.

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